Getting Started with Next.js: Your First Project

Welcome to the exciting world of Next.js! This guide will walk you through the essential first step: creating a new Next.js project using the

code

create-next-app

command. This tool sets up a robust foundation for your full-stack applications, leveraging the latest features of Next.js 14, including the App Router.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have Node.js installed on your system. Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that Next.js relies on. It's recommended to use a recent LTS (Long Term Support) version. You can download it from the official Node.js website.

What is the primary prerequisite for creating a Next.js project?

Node.js

Using `create-next-app`

The

code

create-next-app

CLI is the recommended way to start a new Next.js application. It handles all the necessary configurations, dependencies, and project structure for you. Let's dive into how to use it.

The Basic Command

To create a new Next.js app, open your terminal or command prompt and run the following command. Replace

code

my-next-app

with your desired project name.

bash

npx create-next-app@latest my-next-app

The

code

@latest

ensures you're using the most recent stable version of

code

create-next-app

, which will include the latest Next.js features like the App Router by default.

Interactive Setup

Upon running the command,

code

create-next-app

will guide you through an interactive setup process. You'll be prompted to make several choices that configure your project:

Would you like to use TypeScript? (Recommended for type safety)
Would you like to use ESLint? (For code linting and quality)
Would you like to use Tailwind CSS? (A popular utility-first CSS framework)
Would you like to use
code
src/
directory? (Organizes your code)
Would you like to use App Router? (Yes, this is the default and recommended for Next.js 13+)
Would you like to customize the default import alias? (e.g.,
code
```
@/*
```
)

For Next.js 14 and full-stack development, it's highly recommended to choose 'Yes' for TypeScript, ESLint, App Router, and consider Tailwind CSS for styling.

Project Structure Overview

Once the installation is complete, you'll have a new directory named

code

my-next-app

with a standard Next.js project structure. Key directories and files include:

code
```
app/
```
: This is the core of the App Router. It contains your routes, layouts, and pages.
code
```
pages/
```
: (If you chose not to use the
code
```
src/
```
directory and opted for the older Pages Router, though App Router is default).
code
```
public/
```
: For static assets like images and fonts.
code
```
package.json
```
: Lists project dependencies and scripts.
code
```
next.config.js
```
: Configuration file for Next.js.

The app directory is the heart of the App Router. It uses a file-system-based routing system where directories and files map directly to URL paths. Special files like page.js define UI for a route, layout.js defines shared UI for a route segment, and loading.js provides loading states. This structure enables features like Server Components, nested routing, and advanced data fetching.

📚

Text-based content

Library pages focus on text content

Running Your Development Server

Navigate into your newly created project directory and start the development server:

bash

cd my-next-app
npm run dev

This command will start a local development server, typically at

code

http://localhost:3000

. Open your web browser and navigate to this address to see your new Next.js application running!

What command starts the Next.js development server?

npm run dev

Key Takeaways

You've successfully created your first Next.js project using

code

create-next-app

. This sets you up with a modern, efficient framework for building full-stack web applications. The App Router, now the default, provides a powerful and flexible way to structure your application's routes and UI.

Learning Resources

Next.js Official Documentation - Getting Started(documentation)

The official and most comprehensive guide to Next.js, covering installation, core concepts, and advanced features.

Create Next App - GitHub Repository(documentation)

Explore the source code and options for the `create-next-app` CLI tool.

Next.js 14 App Router Explained(documentation)

Deep dive into the App Router, the new paradigm for building Next.js applications with server components and file-based routing.

Tailwind CSS Documentation(documentation)

Learn how to use Tailwind CSS, a utility-first CSS framework that is often integrated with Next.js projects.

TypeScript Official Website(documentation)

Understand the benefits and syntax of TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript that enhances code quality and maintainability.

ESLint Official Documentation(documentation)

Learn about ESLint, a tool for identifying and reporting on patterns in JavaScript code to ensure code quality and consistency.

Vercel Blog: Introducing Next.js 14(blog)

An announcement and overview of the key features and improvements in Next.js 14, including the stable App Router.

YouTube: Getting Started with Next.js 14 (App Router)(video)

A visual walkthrough of setting up a Next.js 14 project and understanding the basics of the App Router.

Dev.to: Your First Next.js Project with Create Next App(blog)

A beginner-friendly article detailing the process of creating a new Next.js project and its initial setup.

Node.js Official Website(documentation)

The official documentation for Node.js, essential for understanding the JavaScript runtime environment.

Creating a new Next.js project with `create-next-app`

Getting Started with Next.js: Your First Project

Prerequisites

Using `create-next-app`

The Basic Command

Interactive Setup

Project Structure Overview

Running Your Development Server

Key Takeaways

Learning Resources